Tool set in blow molded box recommendation needed

[tool_scrounge]

A friend has asked for a recommendation for general tool set for their middle school daughter. She is quite smart and mechanically inclined. The parents are both engineers. From my conversation with them, the would something that was:

- reasonable quality (USA mfg. preferred, Taiwan is also OK)
- not too heavy to lift
- general metric/english set
- blow molded case for easy storage & transport
- NOT PINK (this was my addition, since I know the withering look the mom would give me).

Years back I would have recommended some flavor of a Craftsman mechanics set and probably replacement ratchets.

Or to find the current equivalent of the GM Performance set that Kragen (O'Riely) auto parts was blowing out years back as shown in the photo. Taiwan made and pretty good quality. Great deal for a car tool set ($20, thanks Garage Journal). Metric & English, nothing fancy but super useful in the car.

Any recommendations?

 

[Magnum440d100]

I have a channellock set that is really nice. 1/4”-1:2 and all. Not sure where it was bought, as it was given to me.

But it’s been tossed around and beat up, and the case has held up, and the tools themselves seem solid. It was my junkyard set for a while, so you know it’s been beat like a redhead step child haha

I would go that route.

I would recommend a craftsman set, but they haven’t been made in USA for a LONG time.

Harbor freight of all places has decent stuff, as long as it isn’t the cheapest set. We just picked up a set for a friends son. And my friend is picky.

 

[Tallpilot]

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B019MDJWTK/ref=sspa_mw_detail_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1

This is made in China so hopefully someone knows something similar from Taiwan or USA.

When I think of a first tool set that is all in one case I would like screwdrivers and pliers in addition to the mechanics tools. Nowadays I am pickier and use my own container so I can mix and match manufacturers and only include the items I want but I understand the benefits of a blow molded case.

 

[Psychwarfare]

My CM mechanics set is MIA but with how affordable the current crop of CM mechanics sets are...I'd buy a kit.

Purchased a 280(?) Piece set for a buddy for Christmas. Given the warranty I can live with MIC for now...just replaced a broken ratcheting wrench at Lowes with zero issue...the wrench at Lowes was of nicer quality...so maybe buy the CM kit at Lowes if you go that route

 

[John in OH]

Any idea what their price range is? That will be a major factor in what sets GJ folks can recommend.

The problem I've noticed in most of these "tool sets" is the lack of rational tool selections for casual users. For instance, "most" sets have 1/2" drive sockets but don't have a selection of pliers. Or, they have a bunch of socket extensions, but no adjustable wrench. Or, gobs of hex/Allen wrenches, but no ball pein hammer. Or, multiple sets of deep sockets, but only a limited selection of screwdrivers. Etc., etc.

 

[John in OH]

I guess this Crescent CTK170CMP set isn't too bad, but there are still a lot of skips in the socket and combo wrench sizes and I doubt a casual user needs 1/2" sockets. Not US made, but price is only around $80.

 

[gatlibs]

Just try to find one with real hinges not thin folded plastic, same for closures, and snapping tight plastic that doesn't fail brand new. Those are the things that I hate about cheap blow molded plastic cases for cheap sets of tools. If seeing exactly where something goes isn't necessary, then I'd suggest buying her a bag and tools separately.

 

[Spdfreak91]

craftsman Taiwan in the red case from lowes? and maybe the channelock 3 pc plier with bottle opener?

 

[tool_scrounge]

They did not have a specific budget (I asked), So I presume in the $100-$150 range is fine. One set that looked interesting was the:

DeWalt DWMT73803 Mechanics Tool Kit Set with Case (168 Piece)
- Made in Taiwan
- high tooth count ratchet (how much back drag though...)
- good reviews


https://www.amazon.com/DeWalt-DWMT73803-Mechanics-Tool-Piece/dp/B00PXN00BS

 

[Dumber than lumber]

recommendation needed

A friend has asked for a recommendation for general tool set for their middle school daughter. She is quite smart and mechanically inclined. The parents are both engineers. From my conversation with them, the would something that was:

- reasonable quality (USA mfg. preferred, Taiwan is also OK)
- not too heavy to lift
- general metric/english set
- blow molded case for easy storage & transport

Any recommendations?

This question can cover a LOT of tool sets. My instinct is to get a very basic assortment of tools, but one of better than average quality. Those sets where you get 200 "tools" for $200 are a disservice to wo/mankind.
You said the parents are engineers - so hopefully they can appreciate the long-term value of quality (Buy once, Cry once ... IYKWIM). However, I will mention that in my experience engineers and accountants tend to be allergic to buying the expensive stuff.
Many of us here have learned that there is a real joy in owning and using a quality tool, whether it was bought new, inherited, received as a gift, found at garage sale, etc.
A specific recommendation would be the Wera Bit-check https://www.amazon.com/Wera-056490-Tool-Check-Ratchet-Sockets/dp/B00I8MYMT2/ref=sr_1_1?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1544816621&sr=1-1&keywords=Wera+bit+check
This piece of kit can fit in a purse or pocket, and is a wonderful introduction to highly-functional and high quality equipment.
In fact, she might have a hard time getting her parents to keep hands off!!
Hope that helps.

 

[M6erfan]

Have you considered putting set together piecemeal and storing in a nice hand tool box?

 

[tool_scrounge]

Have you considered putting set together piecemeal and storing in a nice hand tool box?

Yes, I have mentioned that option also and have offered to donate a vintage Craftsman "crown top" tool box to the cause.

 

[Farrell]

I personally love the SK blow molded tool cases. I have everything made by SK that has a blow molded case. 1/4, 3/8, 1/2, 3/4, 6pt & 12pt. I dont have all of the part numbers on hand.

I also recently picked up a blackhawk (9765) socket set in a blow molded case. These tools were also of high quality. The blackhawk casing appears to allow the ower to lift up the tray insert for storage below. The extra storage space is limited. I am selling it because of allen set I also just bought.

I came across an allen brand (usa made) 107pc tool kit (19222). It came with all the sockets you would probably need. It also had an additional storage cpmpartment. I have actually never seen the set come up used before. I would highly recommend it though. In the top compartment there is room for a wrench set and a set of pliers.

If you wanted complete chinese set I think the quickest solution is just a craftsman set.

I am not sure if this is any help but I thought it would be worthwhile to share for anyone looking to learn more about products in blow molded cases.

My usecase was for the SK products to have nice organized tool kits in my tool box. I could quickly grab a kit and go. My usecase for the blackhawk and allen sets was to have a kit to leave in my truck that had everything I would need.

Sent from my SM-G930V using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[Jordanj]

They did not have a specific budget (I asked), So I presume in the $100-$150 range is fine. One set that looked interesting was the:

DeWalt DWMT73803 Mechanics Tool Kit Set with Case (168 Piece)
- Made in Taiwan
- high tooth count ratchet (how much back drag though...)
- good reviews


https://www.amazon.com/DeWalt-DWMT73803-Mechanics-Tool-Piece/dp/B00PXN00BS

I have this same set in my work truck and is very useful.

It would be good to see a similar set with extra tray room for channel locks, zip ties, specific sockets,etc.

I’ve got a 90’s craftsman USA 172 pc. Kit in the other truck that has the pocket and have been my go to travel set.